Alumni upset over plans to rename Southwest Detroit school

Name change would reflect Hispanic student population

DETROIT – Detroit Public Schools is considering changing the name of Harms Elementary School on the city's southwest side, and the decision is creating controversy.

Harms Elementary School is the home of the Hawks. It is a part of the Southwest Detroit neighborhood and has been for decades. “Well it has always been Harms,” said Alumni Ken Jones.

Jones went to school at Harms Elementary. He is proud of the memories and history. History that was named after a local businessman. His name is Theodore Harms. “He came to every function, every event. To me changing the name is disrespectful to the family legacy,” said Jones.

But the population of the school and the community around the school have changed over the years. Parents said school leaders mentioned the majority of the students at the school are Hispanic and a possible name change would reflect the neighborhood.

About the Authors:

Larry Spruill Jr. joined the Local 4 News team in January 2018. Prior, he worked at WJAX in Jacksonville, Florida. Larry grew up as a military kid because his father is a retired Chief of the United States Air Force.